HS 200880 Strawberries

Import duty rates for HS 200880 (Strawberries) vary significantly by country and trade agreement. For instance:

• United States: The U.S. Harmonized Tariff Schedule (USHTS) generally lists a Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate of 11.9% ad valorem for fresh strawberries, though specific rates can apply based on origin and seasonality. Consult the USITC for precise, up-to-date rates.
• European Union: Under the EU's TARIC system, strawberries (HS 200880) often face a duty rate of 8% ad valorem, but this can be subject to specific conditions, particularly for out-of-season imports. Preferential rates may apply under various Free Trade Agreements (FTAs).
• United Kingdom: The UK Global Tariff (UKGT) may list a standard rate, but like the EU, the UK has numerous preferential agreements that can reduce or eliminate duties. For example, certain agreements might offer duty-free access under specific conditions.

It is crucial for importers and brokers to verify the applicable duty rate for the specific country of import and the origin of the goods using the official tariff database of the importing country.

The calculation of import duty for HS 200880 typically involves an ad valorem rate (a percentage of the value of the goods) or a specific duty (a fixed amount per unit of quantity), or a combination of both. For example, if strawberries are imported into a country with a duty rate of 10% ad valorem and the customs value of the shipment is $10,000 USD, the ad valorem duty would be $1,000 USD (10% of $10,000). If there was an additional specific duty, such as $2.00 per 100 kilograms, and the shipment weighed 5,000 kilograms (50 units of 100 kg), the specific duty would be $100 USD (50 x $2.00). The total duty would be the sum of the ad valorem and specific duties. Always refer to the specific tariff schedule for the exact calculation method and rates applicable to your shipment.

When importing strawberries under HS code 200880, standard import documentation is required, along with potential specific certifications related to agricultural products. This typically includes:

• Commercial Invoice: Detailing the value, quantity, and description of the goods.
• Bill of Lading or Air Waybill: Proof of shipment.
• Packing List: Outlining the contents of each package.
• Certificate of Origin: To determine eligibility for preferential duty rates under trade agreements.
• Phytosanitary Certificate: Issued by the plant protection organization of the exporting country, certifying that the strawberries are free from pests and diseases. This is a critical document for agricultural imports to prevent the introduction of harmful organisms.
• Import Permit/License: Depending on the importing country's regulations for agricultural products.
• Food Safety Certifications: May be required to demonstrate compliance with the importing country's food safety standards.

Importers and customs brokers must ensure all documentation is accurate, complete, and submitted in a timely manner to avoid delays and potential penalties.

Several trade agreements can offer preferential duty rates for strawberries (HS 200880). Examples include:

• USMCA (United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement): May offer preferential treatment for goods traded between these countries.
• EU Free Trade Agreements: The EU has FTAs with numerous countries (e.g., Canada, Japan, South Korea, Switzerland, UK) that often include reduced or zero duty rates for agricultural products like strawberries, subject to Rules of Origin.
• UK Free Trade Agreements: Post-Brexit, the UK has established its own set of FTAs, including continuity agreements with countries previously covered by EU agreements, and new ones (e.g., with Australia, New Zealand).

To leverage these agreements, importers must obtain a valid Certificate of Origin (or equivalent declaration) from the exporter, demonstrating that the strawberries meet the specific Rules of Origin criteria defined in the relevant trade agreement. This often requires the goods to be wholly obtained in the partner country or to have undergone sufficient transformation. Importers and customs brokers should consult the specific trade agreement text and the importing country's customs authority guidance to ensure compliance.

HS code 200880 specifically covers 'Strawberries, fresh or chilled'. The primary classification criterion is the botanical identity of the fruit. The World Customs Organization (WCO) and national customs authorities provide Explanatory Notes and rulings that clarify classification. For HS 200880, the key is that the product must be identifiable as a strawberry (genus Fragaria) and be in a fresh or chilled state. Frozen, dried, or processed strawberries fall under different HS codes (e.g., HS 0811 for frozen, HS 0813 for dried, or Chapter 20 for prepared/preserved). If a product is a mix of fruits including strawberries, its classification would depend on the predominant fruit by weight or value, or specific rules for mixtures outlined in the General Rules for the Interpretation of the Harmonized System (GRI). Importers must ensure the product's condition (fresh/chilled vs. processed) and its primary identity are correctly declared to use HS 200880 accurately.